Modelling Ethylene Production in Packaged Tomatoes and Simulating Ethylene Scavenger Addition for Shelf-Life Extension

Packaged fruit produces a net accumulation of ethylene, the number of fruits affecting the peak and rate of accumulation. This study developed a model for quantifying net ethylene production using data from various tomato cultivars and packaging quantities. The ethylene accumulation was best described by the pseudo-first-order kinetic behavior, with peak ethylene concentrations ranging from 1.7 to 6.43 µL/L, depending on fruit mass and cultivars. The developed model was further simulated to estimate the dynamics of ethylene concentration in packaging with ethylene scavengers, estimating the amount of ethylene scavenger needed to extend tomato shelf life. Three scavenger adsorbents, Z-KMnO₄, Basolite, and NZ-Ch, were evaluated. The simulations showed that Z-KMnO₄ was more effective in reducing ethylene concentration, compared to Basolite and NZ-Ch and that use of 1 g of Z-KMnO₄ delayed ripening of 1 kg of Optima tomatoes by 28.23 h. This study emphasized the importance of understanding dynamics in ethylene concentration in developing packaging systems with ethylene scavengers. A minimum ethylene concentration was necessity for ripening. An exact amount of ethylene scavenger was needed to ripen the packaged fruits and extend the shelf life to the targeted value. Model simulation can be used for designing optimal ethylene scavenger systems to achieve desired ripening within the targeted shelf life. A customized packaging solution can be designed based on specific cultivar needs and packaging quantities.